at Lord X--'s, what little Polly had said in the
housekeeper's room, as also Mrs. Wilson's answer; and said, by Mrs.
Wilson's downcast look, she was afraid that poor Lord X---- and his lady
were not so happy as might be wished. 'But,' continued she, 'I did
not ask Mrs. Wilson any questions, because you have taught me, madam,
carefully to avoid the least appearance of impertinent curiosity.'

'You was very right, my dear,' said Mrs. Teachum, 'in asking no farther
questions; nor would she, I dare say, as she is a prudent woman, have
gratified you if you had; for though the unhappy story is too well known
all over the country, yet it would have been very unbecoming in one
of the family to have published it.' Mrs. Teachum saw in her little
scholars' eyes, a secret wish of knowing what this story was; and, after
a short pause, she said, 'Since I find you disposed, my good girls, to
make the proper use of what you hear, I will indulge your curiosity.

'Lord X---- and his lady have been married seven years; Lord X---- is
the wretchedest creature breathing, because he has no children, and
therefore no heir to his title and large estate. He was naturally of a
haughty impetuous temper, and impatient of any the least disappointment;
and this disposition not being subdued in his youth, has led him into
all sort of excesses. His lady is not much better tempered than himself,
and valuing herself highly upon her beauty, and the large fortune
she brought him, greatly resents his sometimes insolent, and always
neglectful usage of her. They have hitherto lived on in the most
jarring, disputing manner, and took no care to conceal their quarrels
from the world; but at last they have agreed to part by consent, and the
different journeys they this morning took, I suppose, was with an intent
of final separation.

'That grandeur and happiness do not always go together (as Mrs. Wilson
observed to you) is seen by this story, which I was the more willing
to tell you, as it was a proper introduction to a fable I have been
collecting together from others, for your use. You know that all my
endeavours to make you good, are only intended to make you happy; and
if you thoroughly reflect upon the truth of this maxim, which I so often
endeavour to inculcate, you will doubtless reap no small advantage from
it.'

Here Mrs. Teachum ceased speaking, and, giving Miss Jenny Peace a paper,
she bid her read it aloud; which she did, and it contained the follo